Sterba’s Cory Catfish (Corydoras Sterbai)

Sterba’s Cory Catfish (Corydoras sterbai) enliven freshwater aquariums with their unique spotted markings and playful, social behavior. Unlike many bottom-dwellers, they are peaceful, resilient, and easy to care for, thriving in diverse freshwater conditions. These catfish naturally forage along the substrate, consuming leftover food and detritus, which helps maintain water quality and reduces waste buildup. Ideal for community tanks, planted setups, or species-specific aquariums, Sterba’s Cory Catfish provide both activity and visual interest. Use them to add schooling dynamics, natural behavior, and low-maintenance cleaning to your aquarium, creating a balanced and engaging environment for all your aquatic inhabitants.

• Peaceful bottom-dwelling freshwater fish with striking patterned bodies

• Hardy and adaptable, perfect for beginner and experienced aquarists

• Small, social species that thrives in groups, displaying natural schooling behavior

• Ideal for community tanks, coexisting with small, peaceful fish

• Active scavengers, helping clean leftover food from the substrate

• Adds dynamic movement and visual interest to the bottom of aquariums

• Compatible with planted tanks, providing natural behavior without harming plants

• Easy to care for with minimal maintenance

• The small size allows them to inhabit nano and medium tanks comfortably

• Supports a balanced aquarium ecosystem while encouraging natural fish behavior

• Omnivorous diet: feed sinking pellets, wafers, and occasional blanched vegetables or frozen foods

• Maintain water temperature between 72–79°F (22–26°C) for optimal health

• Preferred pH range: 6.0–7.5, with soft to moderately hard water

• Tank size minimum: 10 gallons for a small group of three

• Provide soft substrate to protect sensitive barbels, such as sand or fine gravel

• Include hiding spots like plants, rocks, or driftwood

• Moderate filtration recommended to maintain clean water without strong currents

• Regular water changes (20–30% weekly) support health and longevity

• Avoid aggressive tank mates to reduce stress

• Low to moderate lighting supports natural behavior and plant growth